the servants in this vineyard

the staff and officers of zion

The ministers, officers, and staff of Zion believe God has given us a responsibility for building the kingdom and safeguarding the flock in this house of worship. We take that responsibility of being the shepherds to this flock seriously. Click the links to learn more about the people who serve you and what we do–then call on us when you need us. Then, click the boxes to check out our ministries and to see pictures of the life of our church.

Ministerial staff

serving the flock

Rev. James h. cantrell

pastor

Reverend James H. Cantrell, a native of Chattanooga, TN., accepted the call to Zion as pastor in September, 1997 and has been with the Zion family for nineteen years. Reverend Cantrell continues to support Zions emphasis on the spiritual and intellectual growth of her members and has extended her outreach in the larger community. His vision is to have Zion serve this present age through teaching, tithing, evangelism, and spiritualism.

Under his pastorate, Zion has increased her fellowship with other churches in the community, joined the Avondale Credit Union, the Amos Project (which works with the Volunteers of America on the Faith Community Partnership Program), and the Avondale Community Outreach Ministry. Pastor Cantrell initiated a Health and Wellness Ministry to address health and wellness issues among African Americans, including HIV/Aids education; a Dr. Martin Luther King Interfaith Vesper Hour (January 2005); an Adopt-A-Student Ministry for college students; a prior educational partnership with Burton Elementary School; a Candlelight Communion Service; and an Endowment Fund. Pastor Cantrell has received numerous awards including 2014 Pastor of the Year fromThe Baptist Ministers Conference of Cincinnati and the 2014 Humanitarian Award from the University of Cincinnati.

Associate ministers

A Team You Can Rely On

We continue to mourn the loss of our brother in the ministry and send condolences to his family and friends. We rejoice in believing that he has heard what we all want to hear God say to us one day: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Matthew 25: 21 (KJV)